Nigerian health worker exodus, Atiku-Obasanjo dispute, and other top stories
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
At least 20,966 Nigerian health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other specialists, relocated abroad within one year, with the UK, US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia being primary destinations, according to the State of Health of the Nation Report 2025. In other news, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for comments made following the death of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na鈥橝bba, accusing Obasanjo of exploiting Na鈥橝bba鈥檚 memory for political purposes. Atiku stated that Obasanjo鈥檚 claim of bribing Na鈥橝bba to orchestrate impeachment moves was false and disrespectful to the deceased. Additionally, Wigwe University and former employees are in dispute over allegations of arbitrary dismissal, workplace abuse, and poor labor practices, with affected staff claiming terminations occurred without due process. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has also begun disbursing June and July upkeep allowances to student beneficiaries, with payments being processed in batches. Finally, four police officers in Ondo State have been arrested and are under investigation after a viral video showed them making ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist on the Lagos鈥揃enin Expressway.
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Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, has signed with Chilean football club Colo Colo. The 40-year-old gained prominence during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for his performances against Spain and Argentina. Although the transfer is not yet formally completed, Colo Colo teased the signing on social media. An铆bal Mosa, president of Blanco y Negro, the company managing Colo Colo, confirmed Vozinha will travel to Chile soon for medical examinations and a presentation at Estadio Monumental. Mosa noted that Vozinha's World Cup displays earned him the move and will also enhance the club's commercial appeal. Vozinha, who left Portuguese club Chaves before the World Cup, was selected for FIFA's fan-selected World Cup Dream Team. He captained Cape Verde, helping them achieve a goalless draw against Spain and pushing Argentina into extra time in the Round of 32. His World Cup performance significantly increased his social media following.
Afrobeats artist Davido, also known as David Adeleke, has scheduled an exclusive live premiere for his upcoming album, 'Oriade', in London on August 11. The singer shared this announcement on his X account, inviting fans to the O2 Forum Kentish Town for what he described as the "first and only chance to hear Oriade performed live." Tickets for the event are currently on sale. Davido had previously informed his fans that 'Oriade', his sixth studio album, is set for release on July 31. The album's title, 'Oriade', translates to "the crowned head" from Yoruba, combining "ori" destiny and "ad茅" crown. This album is intended to commemorate his 15 years in the music industry. Davido stated to Billboard that he decided to trust his musical destiny over fifteen years ago, believing that significant blessings come from self-belief. The lead single, "I Know Who I Be," featuring South African producers Jazzwrld and GL Ceejay, has already been released. The 13-track 'Oriade' is described as a return to his original, high-energy African sound, moving away from heavily pop-focused crossovers. This album follows his 2025 Billboard chart hit album, "5ive".
Wigwe University, founded by the late Herbert Wigwe, is facing allegations of mass staff dismissals, intimidation, and administrative high-handedness. Former employees, including Dr. Nonyelum Okechukwu, a university librarian, and Amarachi Ogbennia, a college secretary, claim their appointments were terminated without due process or clear reasons. Other former staff members, including a lecturer from Zimbabwe and a former deputy registrar, describe an atmosphere of fear and arbitrary dismissals, with some attributing these issues to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi. Documents reportedly indicate that about 30 academic and non-academic employees have either been terminated or resigned. Civil society organizations and legal experts are calling for an independent investigation, emphasizing that even private institutions must adhere to Nigerian labor laws. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, denies personally terminating anyone's appointment, stating that the university follows established procedures for disciplinary matters and maintains high standards, with no place for "lazy people."